Solo female trip report (rather long!)
Recently back from two weeks in Vietnam. So grateful to everyone here for advice when planning the trip. Hope that my report might give others some ideas. Wrote notes when I was there and have now turned these into a rather long diary. Plan to post each day at a time. Would be lovely to hear any comments and do ask any questions.
I’ve wanted to go to Vietnam for over 30 years, ever since my one-year trip to other parts of Asia, in the days of pre-internet travel. As my husband had to work, I thought I’d come by myself, spurred on by advice and encouragement from this forum. On the trip I was asked a lot if I was on my own, and being a single female (aged 61) was more unusual than I’d expected. But it was absolutely fine travelling alone, especially due to so much support and friendship from locals and other tourists. Part of the appeal of a solo trip (instead of a pricy, rushed group-tour) was that I could do as I pleased, and have some time to myself, especially after 24 years of family holidays!
DAY 1 – Arriving in Hanoi
Took about an hour to get out of the airport – long passport queues - but I continued the friendly chat with the cleft-palate surgeon I had been sitting with on the plane, so didn’t really mind. Got a SIM card at the airport (Vinaphone, 350K, 4GB data a day plus local phone calls).
Pleased to see my name on a piece of paper held by a taxi driver, and set off into the greyness of a Hanoi afternoon. Having left a clear blue spring sky in the UK, it was a bit of a shock to have such greyness. Also colder than expected! But so many fascinating sights even in that first taxi drive. The driver was talking into his phone and I then realised he was talking to me, using Google Translate to warn me of things – all the different money notes (that he got up as pictures), not to walk around on my own late at night, taxi scams, careful crossing the road etc. He was being friendly but it was slightly depressing to keep hearing about dangers. It was much jollier when he burst into song, singing along to Lionel Richie’s ‘Hello’, with enthusiasm more than musicality. Made me laugh, especially when he stopped due to a call from his wife, and then started serenading me again even louder. Despite it being one of my favourite songs, I declined his invitation to join in as I was feeling rather tired after my 22 hour journey.
Delighted to reach my Golden Legend Hotel and have someone come out, open my taxi door for me, and welcome me by name. Lovely smart room, not much of a view from my balcony, but a quiet street and a bath! Despite feeling tired, couldn’t resist going straight out to discover the streets. Hotel is in the old quarter and just a few minutes’ walk from the lake and water puppets. The streets were not as manic as I had been led to believe and the roads were mostly easy to cross. Enjoyed popping into a temple and having some peaceful moments. Felt like quite a sanctuary, and the first of many moments when I appreciated the spontaneity that was possible from not being on a group tour.
Festive atmosphere at the lake. By chance both my visits to Hanoi were over a weekend, with central roads closed to traffic. So many amazing sights on the street – all the different things for sale, the women with baskets over their shoulders.
Thanks to Jack from the Forum for two suggestions which I might not have considered otherwise – rooftop bars and art galleries! I don’t drink beer and actually don’t drink alcohol much at all, but like cocktails and being up high. Cocktails are too expensive at home, so I appreciated the Happy Hour price of my first ever Mai Tai at the Terraco Sky Bar. Looking onto the lake, pop music coming from three directions, delightfully warm, no rain – grey but all part of the surreal atmosphere.
I noticed smoke coming from the temple on the lake. Female tourist next to me pointed this out to the waiter, who replied, ‘That’s just tradition’. For some reason (maybe the Mai Tai), her ‘That’s more than tradition’ and the waiter’s ‘There’s no fire engines, are there?’ made me laugh. Three fire engines did then appear and people started running with fire extinguishers, so rather dramatic.
The place I had planned to go to for supper was closed, so just wandered the fascinating little streets. Passed ‘Food Culture’, and thanks to my obsessive planning over the last few months, remembered this was a name of somewhere I had thought I might eat on my arrival. Good choice for a first night solo supper, and a nice table in the corner where I could watch everyone and the street. Too tired to eat much but tasty spring rolls, and enjoyed the liveliness of a large group of students. Was befriended by the waitress who chatted to me quite a lot. Would probably not have heard so much if I’d been there with someone else, and her friendly company enhanced my first Hanoi meal.
Found my way back to my hotel OK. Feel very privileged to be here. Fantastic first night in Vietnam.
What a delightful fun first read.
Thanks,
John
Enjoyed it, India, and looking forward to the rest of your trip!
Scott
Edited: 2 years agoGreat first report.
Looking forward to #2
Annie
Great report be there early May
Thanks for this fabulous report. I am looking forward to hearing the rest!
Thank you ,brilliant read , looking forward to your next post.
"Thanks to Jack"
You're very welcome! So glad you enjoyed a drink at Terraco. Nice place. Looking forward to finding out if you made it to any galleries, and reading about the rest of your adventure.
Great first edition! Looking forward to more
Great trip report! Look forward to hearing more
This is a great first report and really helpful as I'm also hoping to visit solo in June for 2 weeks too. Looking forward to reading more!
Edited: 2 years ago
